The words
of the Lord
are pure words,
Like silver tried
in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
You shall keep them,
O Lord,
You shall preserve them
from this generation
forever.
-- Psalm 12:7,8

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Novena to the Holy Spirit, Day 2 (Saturday)

Come, Thou Father of the poor!Come, with treasures which endure!Come, Thou Light of all that live!The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from the worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, forever and ever. Amen.